My *Daily* Beauty Routine!

So, my goal for 2011 was to spend less money on clothes. This goal was successful through about May, when my addiction to shopping took over my bank account once again. However, during those 5 "dry" months, I developed somewhere else to spend my money - the Sephora website. I had never been much into "beauty products." I usually was just a mascara/chapstick kind of girl, but all of a sudden last year, with the help of way too expensive makeup and Michelle Money's YouTube channel, I went beauty product wild. I've never written any beauty-related posts on The Daily Dani, but after posting an Instagram photo of my daily beauty "routine," and Bekah asking if I robbed a Sephora, I thought I'd share my routine with you all! :)

[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]

1. Sunscreen first! If I'm going to be outside at all, or basically, if it's daytime, I always put sunscreen on! Sure, you can say you won't be spending much time outside, but unless you're stuck in a locked room with no windows while the sun is out, you should be wearing sunscreen on a daily basis! Your skin will thank you in the future!

2. Lately, I've been using a primer. I got this one in a sample set, but I think the full-size would be worth it! I also have a few Benefit primers that help a lot on the pore minimizing front!

3/4. One place where I go the inexpensive route is my concealer and pressed powder. I go through face makeup too quickly to pay $30 for it every few months! Maybelline's Fit Me line is available at most drugstores, and they have compatible concealer/powder/foundations that definitely do the job!

5/6/7. I recently bought Urban Decay's Naked palette and it has some gorgeous colors!I'm dying to try Naked2 now, too! I've only heard rave reviews! I tend to alternate or mix and match between the Naked Palette, Too Faced's Natural Eye, and Sephora's Eyeshadow Palette in Cocktail on the Beach. All of these shades can easily take me from light to dark and day to night.

8/9. I use Kat Von D's Tattoo Eyeliner in Trooper (black) on my top lid. Finding the "perfect" eyeliner was always kind of a struggle for me, and when my friend recommended I try this one, I was blown away! Pencil liners on my top lid tend to rub off on the crease of my eyelid, and other liquid liners tend to be messy. I've tried to gel liners, too, but this has been the easiest to control! You can make the line thick or thin or however you prefer within seconds, and it stays on all day. It's also easy to remove, which isn't always the case!
For my bottom lid, I use Smashbox eyeliner. I ordered the full-size after receiving a sample in my Birchbox. I'm not sure that it isn't as good as some other eyeliners, but it's one of the few I've tried that actually stays on all day and doesn't smudge all over.

10. Despite that it's really fragile (I've cracked mine more than once!), I really like this bronzer. It's slightly heavy on the pigment, but it's a lot less heavy than Beach Bunny. What bronzer do you use? Any recommendations?

11. For blush, I use this palette, and mix the Candy and Pink Leopard shades. It mixes well with the Snow Bunny bronzer. I fear that my blush/bronzer routine is getting a bit too sparkly, so I'm looking into getting Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink, because Michelle Money recommends it!

12. I finish up my look with mascara - mascara always ties a look together! I used to swear by Cover Girl Lash Blast, but I feel like it stopped doing the trick. It was as if my lashes got used to it and stopped responding to its ingredients or something! Then I was really into Maybelline The Falsies, but kind of felt the same way. Now I tend to buy mascara samplers from Sephora. With all of the options you get, I think the price comparison to drugstore brands tends to even out, and I'm able to switch between tubes every couple weeks or so. I like to think it keeps my lashes guessing!



So that's that! How do you all feel about seeing more beauty posts here on The Daily Dani?
What beauty products do you use?

Beauty Products for Summer!

Hey all! I've shared with you my hair care, skin care, and beauty tips before, but I thought I'd give you a little update for summer! I love to change up my beauty products and routines pretty often to keep everything fresh, and new seasons are the perfect time to do so! Read on to some of my perfectly bronzed & beautiful makeup updates!

1. Revlon Photo Ready BB Cream // I'm not a regular foundation wearer/user, but lately in my old age (ha ha), I have started wanting a little more coverage, but not too heavy. I've heard wonders about all kinds of tinted moisturizers and BB creams, and have tried about 100 of 'em, but have finally found magic! I actually got a full-size bottle as a Klout perk (and it's lasted a long time!), and I couldn't be happier. The coverage is fairly sheer, but still evens out my skin tone, and I really love the finish! Plus, it has SPF 30 in it! Give this a try! (I use the "Light Medium" shade. I apply it with my fingertips after my sunscreen.)

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder // I pretty much swear by this bronzer. I love it because it is matte and has no shimmer, so it's very natural for daytime! I've thought about trying a few others (such as Nars Laguna or Urban Decay's new Naked bronzer/blush duo), but I really do like this one, so I'm sticking to it! (I apply the "Medium" shade in an "E" or "3" shape on my cheekbones/sides of my face, my neck/under my chin, and the sides of my nose using a big cheap-o fluffy e.l.f. brush .)

3. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick // As I mentioned above, my typical bronzer is matte without shimmer! So, when I want to pump up the volume a bit, this is the perfect multifaceted bronzer palette for evening! I know there are some knock off versions out there, but the pigment in this collection is unmatchable! (I apply the "Bronze" bars in a "C" on my temples, around my eyes/cheeks, with another cheapo angled e.l.f. brush.)

4. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil // If your brows are in good shape, the rest of your face just falls into place! If my eyebrows are shaped and filled in (I use a brow gel, too), I can go way lighter on my eyes, which is pretty much essential for summer in the sun! I was using a more expensive brand for awhile, but I must have a heavy hand, because I'm always breaking off the spoolies! For the less expensive price of this liner/brush two-in-one, I can afford to break 'em. Plus, the pencil is waxier and helps my brows hold their shape! (I use "Soft Brown." I recommend choosing a pencil that is the same color as the darkest natural tone in your hair - it's way more natural than trying to match a dyed hair color/highlight!)

5. Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof // When I went to Lucky FABB back in April, one of the best tips I picked up from makeup artist Bruce Grayson was to stop wearing black eyeliner all the time! Granted, I can't promise I listen to that most of the time, but for summer, it's an awesome tip! So, I've been using shimmery bronze or copper eyeliner instead! It's a great compliment to my blue eyes, plus it's really easy to layer with a tight line of black when you want a little more oomph! (I actually got a Sephora brand eyeliner sample in a beauty box awhile ago, but I ordered this full-size in "Sun Tan.")

6. NARS Blush // I have been using NARS blush for awhile, in everyone's favorite shade, "Orgasm," but I decided the shade isn't as worth the hype as everyone thinks! It's a little too purpley-pink for me. Instead, I have become fond of the shade "Deep Throat." It's peachier than pink, and I think it looks like more of a natural flush than Orgasm. Keep in mind, however, my grandma did look at me at lunch one day, and say to my mom, "Why are her cheeks to pink?" Just a warning. (I apply this with the Too Faced "Flatbuki" brush.)

7. Jane Iredale Active Light Concealer // This isn't a summer-specific product, but it's a great one! Unfortunately, the price reflects that! However, it's such an amazing concealer! It's great for covering dark circles, bringing a little highlight wherever you need it, and getting a little illuminated color-correction on a recently sunburned red nose! (I apply shade "#4" under and around the sides of my eyes, as well as a little bit down the bridge of my nose and on the cupid's bow of my upper lip.) I recently bought the Maybelline Magic Lumi to see if the cheaper alternative is comparable - I'll keep you posted!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your tried-and-true summertime favorites?

A little something different...

Usually, on Mondays, I post weekly blogger features, usually Q&As. This week I have a little something different for you. Jackie contacted me about writing a guest post for The Daily Dani. She works in outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, and was interested in writing an article to share the ways fashion and beauty can be so very important to women dealing with cancer. Jackie opened up to me and shared about her "belief that all women need to feel beautiful, no matter what circumstances they may be facing. Women are powerful beings and WE need to realize it! Sadly, many women are hearing those devastating words 'you have cancer.' Despite a cancer diagnosis, women can still feel beautiful in their own skin. Fashion is a wonderful way to feel strong and confident. I would like to share with your audience the reality of cancer and how women can say 'YES I have cancer', but I am no less beautiful than I was before my diagnosis." My sorority's philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness & Research, so there's no way I could even hesitate to say yes!

Self-acceptance and Confidence During Cancer

By Jackie Clark

For any cancer patient the whole idea of going through medication is not only challenging, but the effects it brings to your body is also devastating. As a woman, you need not sulk down and lose your confidence during and after such an experience. Put your head up high and feel beautiful at all times no matter the circumstances. Mesothelioma cancer, which is a rare type of disease, is caused from exposure of asbestos. Treatment of this kind of cancer can be through radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of both. Through the treatment period, you will suffer from the usual setbacks such as hair loss, nausea, weight loss and skin diseases.

If you are suffering from hair loss, you can visit many beauty stores that have extensions and wigs that will leave you feeling beautiful. These wigs are specially designed for people who are undergoing hair loss. They are comfortable plus they also come at reasonable prices in different beauty stores.

 
You should put your time into reading inspirational books that will leave you feeling confident and rejuvenated. These books focus on breaking the appearance discrimination that some people use to put the rest of the society down. They are especially helpful if you start reading them before undergoing hair loss due to cancer treatment; this way, you will start your chemotherapy sessions feeling hopeful and confident.

For women suffering from breast cancer, you can find a lot of undergarments that will make you feel good and build yourself esteem. The breast cancer health center has provided a wide range of products that are meant to improve the self-image of cancer survivors. You will find specialty bras that will be comfortable on your body. You can get bras made from lace, microfibers and an extensive selection of seamless styles in all colors.

 
If you have an issue with your skin then you need to adopt a lifestyle that will help your skin improve; eat healthy and drink lots of water. There are also plenty of skin care products that you can use to make your skin look good. You should consult your doctor and seek advice on the best products that will not be harmful to your health. Invest in natural make up that is mild on your skin.

 

You can also invest in flat yet comfortable shoes during cancer treatment. Many designers nowadays have a wide collection of flat stylish shoes that can make you feel comfortable.

 
Despite the many setbacks brought about by cancer, you need to be confident enough to step out looking and feeling great about yourself. Do not let anything put you down no matter what. There are plenty of groups in your area that you can join to get the emotional as well as physical support you need during and after cancer treatment.

I hope you all found this little change of pace on The Daily Dani relevant and interesting!

100 Dots!

{Top: Foreign Exchange | Jeans: J. Crew | Shoes: Marshalls | Necklace: Disney Couture}

Happy 100th post to me!

Yay! This is officially my 100th blog post on The Daily Dani! I'm so glad I made the choice to start blogging a few short months ago! Since January, I've made some fantastic friends here in the blogosphere, gotten to participate in such fun blogger community projects, and, (Most importantly, because that's why I started!) it's really helped me make the most of my wardrobe! Thanks for all of your kind, helpful, supportive comments so far along the way! :)

As for today's outfit, this is a new top I picked up when I felt like the weather was starting to get more summery. And now it's 60 degrees again. Get it together, Mother Nature! I also found these littles loafers that I haven't worn in probably 5 or 6 years, and forgot that I owned. I discovered them in the very back pocket of my "Shoes Under."

I know it's tough to see my necklace details, but let me just tell you, it's Mrs. Potts. Yes, Mrs. Potts of Beauty & The Beast. It also has a teeny-tiny Chip along the chain. Not a chip, like a broken piece, but Chip as in Mrs. Potts's son. From Beauty & The Beast. Humor me here, people.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday!

In honor of their one-year anniversary, I am finally going to participate in my first Modly Chic Fashion Beauty Friend Friday!

Inspiration - To further mark one year of FBFF we are going to answer the same set of questions asked this time last year as I think they are still pertinent today and usually ever changing.

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration?
Lauren Conrad, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Rachel Bilson, and Sarah Jessica Parker are my own tried & true fashion icons!

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?
Bloggers! Ever since I got into the blogosphere, checking out the awesome style of my favorite bloggers all across the country (check out my blogroll to the right to see my faves!) have completely inspired me. I also subscribe to an endless amount of fashion magazines, and I love cutting them up and posting them up on my inspiration board! I love movies set in different eras - Across The Universe, Taking Woodstock, Almost Famous... or movies with great costume design - Sex & The City, Clueless... I'm also a huge fan of Native American influence - feathers, beading, dreamcatchers, headdresses... And hippie style: Flower headresses, maxi skirts, free-flow, peace signs...

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?
I think that by posting outfits that I love, and feel comfortable in, I want my readers to know that what makes great style is being yourself!

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you?
My mom and grandma absolutely inspire me - they both have their own unique and amazing styles, whether they know it or not. ;) My late aunt was also an icon to me in classic style.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?
If you couldn't tell from my lengthy Coachella reports, I have a major music obsession! I could list hundreds of artists and tracks to you, but I'll just stick with my top 5:
1. Walking In Memphis - Lonestar
2. Rich Girl - Hall & Oates
3. Brandy - Looking Glass
4. Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac
5. Man In The Mirror - MJ

My *Daily* Beauty Routine - Updated!

What seems like ages ago (in reality, about 5 months), I shared my daily beauty routine with all of you. Since then, with the help of Sephora, Ulta, CVS, my now lapsed subscription to Birchbox, and Michelle Money & Laura Armstrong, I have added [way too many] products to my routine and have possibly (definitely) become makeup-obsessed! I wanted to update you all on my new (and old!) faves!

Face:

• Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF: I start everyday with sunscreen! I've said it before and I'll say it again, unless you're planning on locking yourself in a room with no windows and no doors, you need to wear sunscreen! Every tan and every freckle = skin damage! (If you go to the beach, pool, or desert with me, beware of my spray bottle of sunscreen - if you don't reapply, I'll reapply for you!)
• Benefit The POREfessional: I really do think primers make a big difference. My pores aren't HUGE but they aren't tiny, and this primer (though small considering the price) goes a long way and works wonders!
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude: I don't usually wear this, but on occasion if I want more coverage, I'll put this on, like one would use a foundation. I like sheer coverage, and also I'm afraid of foundation (thanks to a MAC employee recommending me a full-coverage liquid when I was 13), so this is the perfect combination. I replaced the BB Cream I was using with this, because I thought the BB Cream was too heavy, if that gives you an idea of my definition of "sheer."
• Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat: I put just 1 dot of this on each eyelid. It creates a good base for my eyeshadow and covers up any discoloration that may appear!
• Benefit Boi-ing in 01-Light: This concealer is pretty fantastic. It may need to go a shade darker in my next order, but it REALLY covers up red, blue, purple, or any unusual color emerging from a blemish or scar.
• Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in Light Golden: This is my "special occasion" concealer. (I know I'm ridiculous.) It literally is amazing. I a tiny bit goes a loooong way, and it's perfect for stubborn blemishes or when you want your makeup to last for a night out dancing!
• Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder in 220-Natural Beige: I haven't tried any expensive "high-end" powders that work any better than this affordable one, so I stick with my cheaper version! It covers up shine well, is pretty compact (haha) to carry around, and at the great price, I don't mind if I go through it quickly!
• Benefit Ooh La Lift: This is for dark circles under your eyes. I can't decide if it works or not. It's almost more of an illuminator than a concealer, but I'll keep using it for now until I run out, I suppose.

 Eyes:

• Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Bone: This off-white shade is perfect! It's not shiny or silvery, and it gives great, smooth coverage! I wear this from my lash line to brow bone!
• NARS Single Eye Shadow in Galapagos: I wear this in my crease. A Michelle Money recommendation, this is a pretty dark brown with gold flecks, but sometimes I feel like it isn't as blend-able as I'd like. It's quite dark, so if I get any "dusty" residue in the wrong place, it's hard to wipe off without having to re-do the whole eye! I may need to go with another brand or a slightly lighter shade. Michelle also uses the "Lola Lola" shade, but I tend to not be too satisfied with NARS products, it seems.
• Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in ink black: I can't rave enough about this eyeliner! It is the easiest liquid to apply, stays on all day (and night, and through sleep - oops!), and wears great! I just draw a simple line on my top lid. It's easy to make it as thin or thick as you want!
• Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx: I don't always wear liner on my bottom lid, but when I do I use this! It stays on well and doesn't leave me with makeup under my eyes, plus it has a mini sharpener built into the lid so you never have to worry about the precision of your line!
• Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash: I just recently started filling in my brows after watching Laura fill hers in with brow powder. I bought a brow powder, but then used my Birchbox points to buy this pencil, after watching Michelle use hers, and I like it a LOT better. It has a self-sharpening pencil on one end, and an eyebrow brush on the other. The pencil helps give a lot of control, and the brush helps to blend the pencil and brush hairs in the direction you want them to go! It's amazing how much more pulled-together filling in my eyebrows makes me look! As someone who has only gotten my eyebrows waxed 3 times in my life and is a self-tweezer, this really helps give the right shape to my eyebrows. I love it!
• Anastasia Brow Gel in Clear: Yet another Michelle & Laura tip, I actually found this in my makeup bag randomly; I think I got it as a free sample in some goody bag! I'm imagining any eyebrow gel would do, expensive or not. I don't use this all the time, mostly just when I'm going out at night and want everything to stay in place. Think of this as hairspray for your eyebrows. Now think about how weird that sounds... (Really, though, it's a good product to tame the brows!)
• Sephora Collection Outrageous Volume Mascara: I LOVE this mascara! I think eyelashes are kind of like the hair on your head, where once they get used to a product, it doesn't work as well. Well, my eyelashes must not be used to this, because it works WONDERS! I'm telling you, probably the closest you can get to false lashes without actually wearing false lashes! I hiiiighly recommend this one! I do my best to cover every single lash haha. Check out Michelle's tutorial.

 Cheeks:

• Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Light: Bronzer. You know the deal. I just brush it in the hollows of my cheekbones towards my temples! It's a great color, and not shimmery. I went through a "no shimmer" face for a while and that's when I picked this up. I really like Bobbi Brown.
• Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink: I put a little bit of this on the apples of my cheeks. It's called pale pink, but it is anything but. It's literally neon. It looks really pretty on, but you have to be careful of not brushing it on in a harsh line. I used the top (end of bristles, not flat side) of my brush to apply it so it's not streaky or scary.
• Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact in Snow Bunny: I used to use this a lot. In fact, I've used it so much that I've cracked multiples of this bad boy. It's a really nice, lighter shade and not too dark or unnatural. Now I only use it to brush a little shimmer atop my cheekbones. I've returned to shimmerville.

 Lips:

• Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in 1 - Nude Beige: I'm not a major lipstick wearer, but this is the PERFECT nude lipstick. Absolutely perfect. I'll use it for a night out, sometimes under gloss, sometimes alone. I try to use it sparingly though, because it was expensive, and also because if you go to crazy with this lipstick, it can bleed outside the edges of your lips because it's soooo silky. Yum!
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal: I heard about this gloss via Pinterest literally about 5 minutes after purchasing the YSL lipstick. (Oy. Holy splurge.) This much more affordable nude shade is awesome! It looks great over the lipstick (but too much causes a weird mix, almost a congealed oil-and-water-style separation or something? Yes, sounds disgusting. Kind of is. So I mostly use this on it's own for fear of alien lips haha.
• Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Pout: I got this in a Sephora lip gloss sampler, and it's the perfect pink! I've always looked for the perfect Barbie pink lipstick (still open to recommendations!), but this lip gloss really does the trick. It's slightly sticky so it's not TOO shiny, and I really like it. (But would still love a pink lipstick recommendation!)

Tools:

• Essence of Beauty Eye Shadow Brush: My eyeshadow brush is just some cheapo I got from CVS in a little cheapo pack of brushes. Does the trick. I have a really hard time spending a lot of money on brushes! I don't know why, since I would probably use them longer and more than any other product! Any favorites out there?
• Too Faced Flatbuki: I got this in a bronzer sampler. I actaully really love it. I use the flat side for my bronzer and the short end for my blush! (Though I am tempted to try a fluffier brush for my blush!)
• e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush: Do you all use e.l.f. products? You can get them at Target. They are muy inexpensivo! This brush was $3. I use it for my shimmery bronzer. Nice light, but direct coverage.
• Tarte eyelash curler: This came in a Sephora mascara sampler, and it rocks. Honestly, any eyelash curler will do the trick! I doubt I'd splurge on an expensive one had I not gotten it in the set! I hadn't used one in a long time, but when I started to again, I couldn't believe the difference it made! Do yourself a favor - curl one eye, and then look in the mirror at the difference! Curling the lashes really opens up your eyes! (See above mascara tutorial!)

Scent:

• Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola!: Does perfume count as "makeup?" Well, either way it's been a long time since I splurged on perfume! In elementary school, I got my first perfume. Does anyone remember the brand Fetish? I had a "solid scent" from them. Weird. In middle school, I got my first real perfume. Roxy Hula. Roxy was the bees knees in middle school, and this perfume was awesome. A fresh, Hawaiian scent with a hot pink bulb atomizer that was the bomb.com. In high school, I wore a Lacoste perfume for a short while, and then moved onto Burberry Brit. Burberry Brit was the first scent I had that wasn't the same as everyone else. Then I remember some girls in my dorm coming into my room, opening my drawers, and using it and I immediately began to hate it! THEN I moved on to Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker. I really liked that; I still have it, but now when I smell it, it smells kind of old lady to me. I spent the next few years just using Victoria's Secret Pink body splash because it's light, easy, comes in a large volume, plastic bottle, and it's cheap! BUT THEN... (long story short longer...) I decided to buy a perfume sampler from Sephora. They sent me 8 little vials to try, along with a coupon for a free bottle of whichever you like best! Hence, Oh, Lola! It's hip, fresh, slightly fruity flowery, and has a really awesome bottle. I couldn't ask for more.

Wow. That was excessive, and I'm not afraid to admit it! What are your favorite products? Are you a Sephora junkie like I am?



Have you entered my 31 Bits Giveaway yet?!

*Announcement*

{Dress & Shoes: Target | Cardigan: Old Navy | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Watch: Shock Boutique | Tortoise bracelet: J. Crew | Link bracelet: derng | Heart pin: bando}

I was house sitting last weekend and managed to take these photos by myself with my self-timer! I'm pretty impressed by my half-balanced on a stair step without a tripod skills. (Never mind that I had to take 30 photos to get these 4 good ones. At least I got the 4!)

I wore this to a dinner party celebrating some friends' recent engagements! This dress is another gem I found at Target recently. I saw it and immediately wanted to go on an African Safari. Not a nitty-gritty African Safari, though, more of a Real Housewives of Atlanta African Safari whilst wearing Louboutins. If I had Louboutins. You get the drill.

Announcement: By the time you read this, I should be in or just out of surgery. I am having a septotomy (getting my deviated septum corrected) and tonsillectomy. I'm a longtime sufferer of stuffed noses, restricted breathing, headaches, and excruciating sore throats, and hopefully this will help with all of that! I am going to be down and out for awhile (approximately 10 days, hopefully less, but maybe more), but I've got a couple of posts scheduled for you in the upcoming days! Think: outfit ideas, beauty, blogger features, & a giveaway! Keep checking back to The Daily Dani to see what I've prepared for you while I'm recovering!

Blogger Feature: Hilary of Young & Naive

Please welcome one of my favorite new buddies here in the blogosphere, Hilary from Young & Naive. I love her calm, cool, and collected personality, and her street chic style!

3 words to describe your personal style? 

I would say minimalistic, neutral, with a few bursts of color. Minimalistic because if you noticed, in all my outfits I wear few pieces of jewelry. In my opinion, beauty stands well on its own. I think a simple outfit is one that looks the most put together. Neutral, this is because I rarely wear bright clothing. I love black, white, tan, gray and all the above. Its just who I am but that "burst of color" above is when I accentuate with shoes or purses or head wraps that have a bunch of color.

Who are your celebrity style icons? 
 Rachel Bilson is my main celebrity style icon. I love her effortless California style. She is simplistic and minimalistic and loves neutrals as much as I do. And she always looks put together, whether she is in leggings and rain boots or a dress and heels. Also Rachel Zoe, who doesn't love some Zoe in their life? Although she always wears jewelry, the outfits she puts together look absolutely amazing at all times. I've never not been impressed by her style.
 
What is your favorite item in your closet?  
My favorite item in my closet is my high waisted dark jeans from Urban Outfitters. I love the basics as mentioned above. I think black biker boots, a slouchy black tee, and skinnies might be arguably the best outfit. Sure, heels and booties are great and look fantastic but who dresses like that every day? As a student I sure don't. Comfort is key in my closet!

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?  

Five essential items, thats a tough one because I'm a sucker for anything and everything shoes and clothing. I would say that the five essential items to a fashionable wardrobe would be: a pair of riding/biker boots, dark skinnies, plaid shirt, vibrant wedges or heels, and a classic white v-neck. With those five things you can already come up with at least three different outfits. For a broke college kid, revamping is everything for my fashion and personal style.

What is your go-to, never-fail outfit?  

Well that goes along with the question below. It all depends on the season and the weather. In the summertime, a tank and maxi skirt with a pair of gladiators is my go to outfit. In the fall, a pair of riding boots with a long cardigan and white v-neck. In the winter/snow, my winter boots and as much clothing as possible (it gets cold people). And in the spring, a fun colored pair of heels with jeans and a slouchy tee.

Here in Southern California, we don't exactly get true "seasons." How does seasonal weather affect your wardrobe choices?  

Seasonal weather can be your best friend or your worst enemy, it just depends on how you look at it. Personally, I love having every season especially for the style that comes along with it. Ohio has crazy temperamental weather. It can be 50 degrees on a day in January, then the next day it could be sleeting/snowing and hailing with a 30 degree temperature. That being said, layering is key here in the winter and that is how my wardrobe is affected. I don't get to wear a lot of my cute frilly shirts because they simply look stupid when layered. You'll see on my blog that my fashion choices in the winter are much more simple than my spring/summer/fall outfits.

As a student/young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness? 

It's not hard to find a balance between fashion and professionalism. Zara is my favorite place to get work clothing/sorority meeting clothing. I try to pick out clothing that I could wear out with a pair of jeans and heels or wear to work with a skirt and heels. I try to be age appropriate too, nothing bothers me more than people who don't act their age.

One trend I'm dying to try is the bright orange spring trend that is going on right now. I need some more colors in my life.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: a pair of leggings, riding boots, flannel, v-neck and hair in a bun on top of my head. This is when I am most comfortable and it gives me the ability to do whatever I want to do!

Thanks, Hilary! Make sure you all head over to Young & Naive to see more of Hilary's lovely looks!

Blogger Feature: Rachel of xoxo Rachel Sayumi.

Please welcome the cutiest-patootiest girl ever, Rachel of xoxo Rachel Sayumi, to The Daily Dani! 

3 words to describe your personal style?
I would have to say...
1. Modest; it's something that's really important to me,and it's definitely #1 on my checklist!
2. Colorful; sometimes I mix some crazy colors together. I think it's so fun!
3. Versatile; There have been weeks where I've worn the same shirt three times,but in a different way! It's important to me that I can wear something more than just once in a while! (:

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?
 1. A good pair of skinny jeans!
2. A nice collared shirt. They can be dressed up or down! I'm obsessed with collared shirts.
3. A staple black skirt or dress.  
4. A good pair of shoes you can wear with anything. For me,it would have to be my bootie wedges! I can wear them with a dress or jeans!
5. A "statement" piece of jewelry- preferrably a watch or a necklace!

What is your favorite/most versatile accessory?
 Ohh. That's a tricky one! Lately I've been wearing my lace shirt a lot,but in different ways! Same with my chambray top!! I adore them both so much! (:

You are definitely a model of modest fashion in the blogosphere. How do you maintain your modesty while still appearing fashionable?  

Modesty is a big part of my life. As a young girl,my mother always emphasized the importance of not dressing "of the world," but to dress in a way that inner beauty is reflected by the way I dress rather than how much skin I show. Not gonna lie- I've never had a problem with wanting to dress immodestly. I actually feel really uncomfortable if my skirt is too short, etc. However, I truly am loving the fact that recent styles have been more in accordance with my church's standards. It makes me so happy! I definitely used to be one of those "Only Hollister-Wearing" girls back in the day. But through blogging, I have gotten a lot of inspiration from other modest fashion bloggers. Now I'm crazy about dressing up. It's all thanks to people who fashion blog that I have been able to not only be modest, but appear fashionable while keeping my standards!

Who are your favorite bloggers, and why?
Ahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is SUCH a tough question!! I stalk other fashion blogs hardcore... But I would have to say that some of my most favorite, inspired-by blogs are:
Steffy from Steffy's Pros and Cons. I LOVE Steffy's collection of amazing clothes. My eyes seriously drool over her outfits! Her pattern and color mixing is pure genius. She always looks effortlessly cool.
Kristine from Kristine. Or Polly. Kristine is just the cutest lil thing ever! She knows exactly how to put together a completed look. She is very sweet and simple,yet bold. I love her style.
Kristina from KRISTINA J/Krista from Lazy Saturdays. These ladies both have some amazing DIY tutorials! They're both sooo talented! I wish I could sew like them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?
 I'm still the same way,but I usually pick out what I'm going to wear the night before. My parents have pictures of my outfits all layed out on the floor,exactly how I'd wear it. The necklace would be in the right spot... Socks. Shoes. Everything. I would even put my panties on top of the skirt/pants I was going to wear! Good times.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: 
A collared shirt with a pretty skirt and tights,or a big T-shirt with leggings. Either way,I am pretty dang comfy! Haha!

What did I tell you? Cutiest-patootiest and super sweet to boot! Make sure you go visit her over at xoxo Rachel Sayumi to see more of her preciousness!

Dip dye

{Tunic: Ellison via Luna | Leggings: Target | Boots: ShoeDazzle | Beanie: F21 | Necklace: Vintage}

Today, I wanted to wear a hat. So I did! Finally! It even complimented the red under my nose.

Yes, that is my sea foam green beach cruiser in my living room. We're supposed to get the awning on our back patio worked on and I didn't want this beauty to get maimed. Now I just need to get off of my behind and ride it.

Minty Musume

{top: luna | jeans: free people | boots: steve madden | necklace: c/o musume}

How absolutely beautiful is this necklace?! Based out of San Francisco, and made in Budapest, these hand-crafted pieces are heavenly! Each necklace is 100% cotton, and the perfect statement piece to top any outfit!

When I received my beautiful Musume neck piece, I knew immediately that I had to pair this stand-out with a subdued ensemble. I went with a basic black top and boots, to let this beautiful necklace shine, but I couldn't resist pairing the mint-inspired piece with my mint jeans!

Here are some of my other favorite pieces from Musume, and some classic looks I'd pair with them to showcase their beauty!

{necklace / jacket / sweater / jeans / flats}

{necklace / shirt / pants / pumps}

{necklace / leggings / shirt / boots}

Which Musume necklace is your favorite?